Festival Review: 2009 Detroit Summer Smash

Hello, everyone! I am Elle, and I write stuff. Big Wave Dave asked me to introduce myself, and I thought, what better way to do so than to do a brief run-down of this past weekend at The CAID for Detroit Summer Smash.

Thursday night started off pretty slow, but around the time Bird Gang finished up, people started pouring in. Four Hour Friends were fantastic. Friendly Foes were fantastic. And then they all joined in together at the end of Friendly Foes‘ set and covered a song by The Band. Some folks brought paper and crayons and started a little “art” table, reminiscent of the art tent at Rock City Fest.

Friday night started off as slow as Thursday, but once again picked up after the first band (Sons of the Gun). Blues-infused rock quartet, The Hotness, went next. I was impressed by the very large, and apparently heavy, organ that the singer played on stage. This night also boasted the rock-savvy dudes of Beggars on the outside stage. Oblisk ended the evening inside with a very relaxing set (a far cry from the stage antics of Beggars).

Saturday morning, I arrived at The CAID early enough to catch Whistling School for Boys from Athens, GA. It was a nice change of pace from the bands, as WSfB is a one-woman performance art… thing. It was awesome. Ohtis and Prussia decided to split their sets, so they both performed at 3, and then again at 7. After a few more bands, it was dinner time (lots of veggie dogs, yum). Electric Fire Babies were fun and the music was very dance-able. I really, REALLY enjoyed The Dead Bodies. If I had to name one band that I was blown away the most by the entire weekend, it would be them. Quite honestly, it never fails to impress me how many amazing musicians are in the Detroit area. And even with all of the blog “controversy” the Detroit Summer Smash seemed to stir up, it was a success! Now, all of you broke musicians from Detroit, go apply for the grant money The CAID raised for you and stop complaining.

Best photo op of the weekend: